Secure trash container assembly

Abstract

The present invention provides a plurality of injection molded plastic panels having integrated connectors. The panels are constructed and arranged packaging and shipment in a nested and/or stacked arrangement. Thereafter, the panels may be assembled into a secure trash container. The integrally formed connectors of the side walls, cover and bottom panel components simplifies trash container construction by integrally forming the connectors into the injection molded panels which are snapped together. The panels are formed of injection molded plastic to interlock with one another without the need for separate metal fasteners or connectors.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a trash container assembly constructed of plastic structural panels. More specifically, the present invention relates to a trash container assembly utilizing injection molded plastic panels capable of being packaged and shipped in a stacked and/or nested state and constructed into a secure and decorative trash container.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Refuse or trash containers are a necessity for homeowners and business owners alike. Trash containers are preferably positioned in convenient locations for trash collection, which necessitates a decorative exterior if placed in close proximity to employees at businesses or residents in homes. A common form of trash container comprises a rigid one piece body which forms an internal chamber with an access opening provided within a rim at the upper end of the internal chamber. A lid is generally connectable with the rim to close the access opening. When the lid is removed, trash is able to be thrown into and collected within the trash container. Most modern trash containers also house a separate, removable waste receiving receptacle such as a collapsible plastic bag or liner. A common form of trash liner is a flexible plastic bag which is held open by folding an upper edge of the bag over the lip of the container facilitating the ability to place trash into the bag. Once the bag is filled, the top of the bag is tied closed and lifted out of the container.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,300 discloses a rigid one-piece trash container with a bag holding mechanism which firmly supports a flexible walled plastic liner in an open configuration within the container. One drawback associated with this type of container occurs when the filled liner engages the side walls of the container. This engagement often causes difficulty in removing the filled bags from the container.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,818 discloses a trash receptacle for receiving and holding a flexible, collapsible trash liner. More particularly, the trash receptacle device provides a cavity formed in the lower portion of the trash receptacle for use as a foothold for assisting a user in removing a full trash liner from the receptacle, and a handhold to assist the user in transporting the receptacle. Typically, the aforementioned one-piece containers are large and incapable of being knocked-down for shipping and storage, adding additional expense to the producer and thus the consumer. In an effort to reduce these problems, one-piece containers generally include tapered side walls which allow them to be shipped in a nested arrangement. However, the nested containers are bulky and heavy, offering marginal gains to an end consumer.

In an attempt to overcome the shipping and storage problems associated with one-piece containers, containers capable of being shipped in a broken down condition have been provided. The top portion of these containers is usually provided with one or more openings, sometimes closed with a swinging door, through which the refuse may pass to be received by the waste receptacle within the container. The swinging doors are generally provided with a weight, spring, or mechanical mechanism which must be pushed open to place trash in the container. Because the top portion is securely attached to the container portion, these devices are generally constructed with access doors in their side to facilitate removing a filled trash liner from the container portion.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,115 discloses a container for housing a waste receptacle. The device includes a base member formed by joining two identical halves. Two interchangeable side walls are attached to the base member and include extensions which form the top of the container. Interchangeable front and back walls are provided, the front wall being hingedly attached and acting as a door. The front and back walls include a spring loaded door for providing access to the waste receptacle. If a waste receptacle in the form of a plastic bag is used, a frame is provided. The frame is moveably mounted on tracks carried by the side walls of the container.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,348,222 discloses a pedal operated garbage container with improved access to the interior when the lid is opened. In this container, a platform for supporting waste is pivoted to the opposite side walls at its forward edge, and a front wall extends upwardly from the forward edge of the platform. Operation of a pedal pivots the platform upwardly and the front wall outwardly, providing access to the interior. One or more waste receptacles are placed on the platform, and must be lifted out for emptying as needed.

These types of containers suffer from numerous drawbacks for consumers. One such drawback relates to assembly of the container. These containers are often difficult to assemble, requiring tools and a substantial number of fasteners to align the panels and doors for proper operation. In addition, such containers may require internal linkages for operation of the lid.

Other advances in the art are aimed at making filled trash liners easier to remove from the receptacle. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,923,080 discloses a trash receptacle that opens on the side so that a filled liner need not be lifted out of the receptacle.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,134 discloses a trash container formed with an open fronted housing having a pivotally mounted front wall movable between a closed position and an open position to allow a filled liner to be removed from the housing. A releasable locking device locks the front wall into the closed position.

Typically, the structure of such devices are complex, requiring numerous small metal and/or plastic fasteners and connector members to maintain a structurally sound container. Due to the complexity of these devices they are generally only offered to consumers fully assembled and not in a knocked-down condition, and therefore require large shipping containers or crates, thereby increasing the final cost of the product to the consumer.

Such prior art devices, while working well, have not met all of the needs of manufacturers to provide a product that can be easily manufactured, packaged and shipped to the consumer in a knocked-down state. Nor have they met the needs of consumers requiring structural integrity combined with a pleasing aesthetic appearance, and ease of assembly without the need for tools and small fasteners for assembly. Still yet, the prior art devices do not include wheels and are therefore difficult to move. This problem is compounded when the receptacle is loaded with refuse.

Paramount among such needs is a trash container panel system which creates a trash container having walls which resist panel separation, buckling, racking and weather infiltration. Structural integrity is a further consideration; the container formed by the panels must tie into the cover and bottom in such a way as to unify the entire enclosure. Also, from a safety standpoint, a cover should be present which can be easily latched and which provides dependable pivoting access to the lineable container.

There are also commercial considerations that must be satisfied by any viable trash container assembly; considerations which are not entirely satisfied by state of the art products. The trash container must be formed of relatively few component parts that are inexpensive to manufacture by conventional techniques. The trash container must also be capable of being packaged and shipped in a knocked-down state for assembly on a desired site.

Finally, there are ergonomic needs that a trash container assembly must satisfy in order to achieve acceptance by the end user. The trash container must be easily and quickly assembled using minimal hardware and requiring a minimal number or no tools. Further, the trash container must not require excessive strength to assemble or include heavy component parts. Moreover, the trash container must assemble together in such a way so as not to detract from the internal storage volume of the resulting trash container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a plurality of injection molded plastic panels having integrated connectors. The panels are constructed and arranged for packaging and shipment in a nested and/or stacked arrangement. Thereafter, the panels may be assembled into a secure trash container. The side walls, cover and bottom panel include integrally formed connectors that simplify trash container assembly by allowing the panels to be snapped together. This construction eliminates the need for separate extruded or molded connectors or fasteners to assemble the trash container. Injection molding allows the panels to be formed with integral cross-bracing, ribs and gussets for increased rigidity when compared to blow molded or rotationally molded containers. The same side wall and bottom panel components can be used to create a variety of trash containers, and the assembly of the trash container requires minimal hardware and a minimum number of hand tools.

The bottom, left and right wall panels have outwardly projecting locking posts for interlocking cooperative engagement with sockets in the front and back panels. The front and back side wall panels are constructed with inwardly contoured sockets for interlocking cooperative engagement with the locking posts on the sides of the left and right wall panels. The engagement between the locking posts and the sockets serve to rigidly connect the components together into a weather resistant trash container. The system further includes a two-piece latching cover and lid assembly which is hingedly connected and latched into place after the front, back, side and bottom panels have been fully assembled. The cover is constructed and arranged to cooperate with the side panels to support a conventional plastic trash bag without the need for metal frames, arms or fasteners. The lid portion is hingedly connected to the cover to provide an opening to place trash in the container. The lid is also provided with a latch means constructed and arranged to allow the lid to be latched in a closed position to prevent wind or animals from opening the container.

In addition to the integrally formed locking posts constructed to cooperate with the side panels, the lower portion of the back panel includes integrally formed bosses constructed and arranged to cooperate with wheel assemblies to allow easy movement of a loaded or unloaded trash container. The wheel assemblies are constructed and arranged for snap-in connection to the assembled container.

Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a trash container assembly having panels with integrated connectors.

A further objective is to provide a trash container having panels with integrated connectors which accommodate injection molding plastic formation of the panel components for increased structural integrity.

Yet a further objective is to provide a trash container assembly in which the side walls, cover, and bottom panel are integrally interlocked without fasteners.

Another objective is to provide a trash container assembly constructed of modular panels having an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Yet another objective is to provide a trash can assembly that is capable of being packaged and shipped in a knocked-down state and constructed into a secure trash container.

Still another objective is to provide a wheeled trash can assembly that is capable of being packaged and shipped in a knocked-down state and constructed into a trash container with wheels.

Still yet another objective of the instant invention is to provide a trash can assembly having a cover assembly with integrally formed rain gutters to channel water away from a latch.

Still a further objective of the instant invention is to provide a trash can assembly that includes panels constructed and arranged for shipment in a stacked arrangement.

Still yet a further objective of the instant invention is to provide a trash can assembly that includes panels constructed and arranged for shipment in a nested arrangement.

Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the instant invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the trash container shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the trash container embodiment shown in FIG. 1 with the cover panel in the open position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the trash container embodiment shown in FIG. 1 with the cover panel in the closed position and the lid panel in the open position;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the trash container embodiment shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the cover hinge means;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the trash container embodiment shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the cooperative engagement of the cover hinge pins and the back panel;

FIG. 7 is partial perspective view illustrating the lid panel latch;

FIG. 8 is a partial section view along lines 1-1 of the trash container embodiment shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a trash container embodiment having wheels;

FIG. 10 is a rear view of the trash container embodiment shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the trash container embodiment shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the cover, lid and latch members utilized in the instant invention;

FIG. 14 is a lower perspective view of the lid and latch members utilized in the instant invention;

FIG. 15 is a section view taken along lines 2-2 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating the panels utilized to construct the trash container of the instant invention in a shipping and/or storage configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

FIGS. 1-2 which are now referenced illustrate perspective and exploded views of the trash container assembly, generally referenced as 10, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The trash container is made up of a floor panel 100, left side wall panel 200, right side wall panel 300, back wall panel 400, front wall panel 500 and cover panel 600. In the preferred embodiment, the panels comprising the assembly are formed of but not limited to a suitable plastic such as polystyrene or polyethylene, through the process of injection molding. The result is that the panels comprising the trash container 10 are formed as unitary panels with integral connectors, and cross bracing. Strengthening ribs 202 and gussets 204 are formed within the inner surfaces of the wall panels, cover panel, and floor panel in order to enhance rigidity of the panels while leaving the external surface in a generally smooth condition for aesthetic purposes, as shown in FIG. 2. The floor panel 100 has a top surface 104, bottom surface 106 (FIG. 11), and like-constructed front, back, left, and right edges 108, 110, 112, and 114 respectively. Along each of the floor panel edges is a means of connecting the floor panel to the left 200, right 300, back 400, and front 500 wall panels illustrated as a plurality of substantially hollow integrally formed locking posts 116 extending outwardly from each edge. The locking posts 116 are constructed and arranged to cooperate with locking sockets 210 extending inwardly along the bottom edges 206, 306, 406, 506 of the left, right, back, and front wall panels respectively. The locking posts 116 and sockets 210 are constructed and arranged so that the locking posts 116 enter and mateably engage the interlock sockets 210 securing the panels together in an inter-fitting engagement and perpendicular arrangement. Detent or snap-type fasteners, such as those illustrated at 118 cooperate with apertures 208, to secure the locking posts 116 to the locking sockets 210. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the snap-type fasteners 118 can be used throughout the trash container 10 to mount or secure components to one another, and to facilitate ready assembly of the trash container if it is provided in an unassembled kit form. The overlapping locking post 116 and locking socket 210 arrangement increases the structural integrity of the trash container 10 by preventing the panels 200, 300, 400, 500 from bowing or bending inwardly or outwardly, and thus, adversely affecting the appearance or operation of the trash container 10. It should be noted that while the floor panel is illustrated as having the locking posts and the panels are illustrated as including the locking sockets, reversal of this arrangement as well as a combination arrangement whereby the bottom panel and side panels include a both sockets and posts are also within the scope of the invention.

The left wall panel 200 is configured having a first edge 212 and a second edge 214. Both edges 212, 214 include an integrally formed means for connecting illustrated as at least one and preferably three elongated contoured interlock posts 216 extending outwardly in a linear fashion along each edge. The interlock posts are most preferably formed to be substantially hollow in nature to reduce the weight of the assembly as well as conserving the raw materials used to form the panels. The interlock posts 216 are generally constructed and arranged to cooperate with the contoured interlock sockets 410 and 510 provided in either edge of the back panel 400 and front panel 500.

The right wall panel 300 is configured having a first edge 312 and a second edge 314. Both edges 312, 314 include an integrally formed means of connecting illustrated herein as at least one and preferably three elongated contoured interlock posts 316 extending outwardly in a linear fashion along each edge. The interlock posts are most preferably formed to be substantially hollow or tubular in nature to reduce the weight of the assembly as well as conserving the raw materials used to form the panels. The interlock posts 316 are generally constructed and arranged to cooperate with the contoured interlock sockets 410 and 510 (FIG. 2) provided in either edge of the back panel 400 and front panel 500.

The outer surface of the panels 200, 300, 400, 500 are constructed generally smooth having a plurality of inwardly bowed grooves 230 for added strength and aesthetic appearance. The inside of the panels 200, 300, 400, 500 are constructed with a plurality of strengthening ribs 202 extending across the panels with a portion of the ribs 202 being provided with a plurality of gussets 204 to further strengthen the panels. The ribs 202 and gussets 204 increase the structural integrity of the trash container 10 by preventing the panels 200, 300, 400, 500 from bowing or bending inwardly or outwardly, and thus, adversely affecting the appearance or operation of the trash container 10. The integrally formed ribs 202 and gussets 204 are facilitated by injection molding. Injection molding offers significant strength and stability advantages over blow-molding or spin molding as utilized in the prior art. In this manner the container of the instant invention is capable of handling a significant amount of weight as compared to prior art plastic trash containers.

The left and right side panels 200, 300 are attached to the floor panel 100 by inserting the contoured interlock posts 116 into the interlock sockets 210 until the spring tabs 118 engage the apertures 208 in the sockets 210 of the left 200 and right 300 panels.

The front and back panels 400, 500 are attached to the left 200, right 300, and floor 100 panels by inserting the contoured locking posts 116 and 216 into locking sockets 210 and 410 respectively until the spring tabs 118 integrally formed into the contoured locking posts 116 and 216 engage the apertures 208 in the locking sockets of the front and back panels 400, 500. The sockets 210 and 410 are constructed to include at least three side walls 211 and one end wall 213, and more preferably four side walls 211 and one end wall 213. The sockets and/or locking posts may be constructed to flex during assembly to permit entry of the spring lock thereafter post and/or socket having memory will return to their respective original shapes. It will be appreciated that the purpose of the contoured elongated locking posts 116 and 216 are to align two panels in a perpendicular relationship and to facilitate their mechanical connection. The perpendicular panels are brought into an overlapping relationship wherein the contoured locking posts 116, 216 enter the corresponding locking sockets 210, 410 in the front, back, left, and right panels 200, 300, 400 and 500 respectively. The result is a mechanically secure connection between the panels. The overlapping edges between the panels as described above provide a secure connection and offer several advantages. First, the design allows the panels to be connected without the need for separate connectors. Second, the design creates a positive lock that prevents separation of the panels. Third, the design maintains alignment of the panels in their respective plane and prevents bowing or bending of either panel relative to one another. The resultant trash container created by the combination of the interlocking panels benefits from high structural integrity and reliable operation. It should be noted that the positions of the locking posts and locking sockets could be reversed or interspersed without departing from the scope of the invention. It should also be noted that while the trash container is illustrated as rectangular in shape, other shapes such as cylinders, frusto-conical segments, hexagons, octagons and other suitable shapes for trash containers may be formed without departing from the scope of the instant invention.

Referring to FIGS. 9-11, perspective and plan views of an alternative embodiment of the instant invention are illustrated. This embodiment includes at least two wheels 450 rotatably mounted on a lower portion of the back panel 400. For attachment, the back panel is provided with bosses 452 to which the wheel axles (not shown) engage in an interlocking fashion. Alternatively, a single axle may be used extending across the rear or bottom panel upon which the wheels 450 may be rotatably mounted as is well known in the art.

Referring to FIGS. 3-6, perspective and section views of the trash container showing the pivotal operation of the cover 600 and lid 612 are illustrated. Also illustrated is the construction and arrangement of the separable hinge means assemblies. The hinge assemblies generally include a plurality of hinge pins 404 and a plurality of cooperating hinge pin receivers 602. The hinge pin receivers 602 are generally a pair of downwardly depending supports 602 located adjacent to the back edge 610 of the cover 600 and are constructed and arranged to cooperate with a cover hinge pin 404 to allow pivotal movement of the cover 600. The hinge pins 404 are each integrally formed into the upper portion of the back panel 400 and supported by an outwardly depending support 420. The hinge pins 404 cooperate with their respective hinge pin receivers 602 in a manner that allows the cover 600 to be removed when in the open position by lifting the cover upward and sliding the hinge pin receiver 602 outward from the pins 404. The cover 600 is releasably secured in a closed position by pivoting the cover downward until the spring latch 622 integrally formed into the cover panel 600 engages at least one corresponding catch 520 (FIGS. 8 and 13) formed in the front portion of the front panel 500. The result is a positive mechanical connection.

Referring to FIGS. 7-8, 13-14, the lid 612 is illustrated in cooperation with the cover panel 600. The lid 612 is constructed and arranged with a hinge assembly to provide pivotal access to the interior of the trash container 10 while it is in the open position. The hinge assemblies generally include a plurality of hinge pins 614 and a plurality of cooperating hinge pin receivers 616. The hinge pin receivers 616 are integrally formed into the top outer portion of the cover panel 600 and are constructed and arranged to cooperate with a lid hinge pin 614 to allow pivotal movement of the lid 612. The hinge pins 614 are each supported by a downwardly depending lip 618 located adjacent to the back edge 620 of the lid 612. The hinge pins 614 cooperate with their respective hinge pin receivers 616 to allow pivotal movement of the lid 612 and also allow the lid 612 to be removed when in the open position by lifting the lid upward and sliding the pins 614 outward from the hinge pin receiver 616.

It should be appreciated that the hinge assemblies allow the cover 600 and/or the lid 612 to be installed and/or removed when the cover 600 or lid 612 is in the open position and yet the cover and lid are secure and non-removable when in the closed position.

Referring to FIGS. 12-15, the lid 612 is provided with two elongated slots 650 which are constructed and arranged to cooperate with retainer clips 652 for releasably securing latch 624 to the cover 612 while allowing slidable movement between a latched position and an unlatched position. The latch may be released from the cover by pressing both clips inwardly while pulling upwardly on the latch. The lid 612 includes an integrally formed rain gutter 654 extending substantially along a perimeter of the latch 624. The rain gutter prevents rain and/or dew from draining through the elongated slots 650 into the trash container 10.

Referring to FIGS. 7-8 and 12-15, the lid 612 is releasably secured to the cover 600 in a closed position by sliding the cover latch 624 inward until the detent 626 integrally formed into the cover latch 624 engages at least one corresponding indentation 628 formed in the front portion of the lid 612. Detents 626 provide a positive retainer for the latch as well as providing tactile feel to the operator. To open the lid 612, the cover latch 624 is pulled outward until the detent 626 is released from the indentation 628 and the lid is pivoted upwards. The result is a positive mechanical connection between the side walls of the container, the cover, and the lid that resists opening by winds or animals, and yet provides easy access for placing trash in the container.

Referring to FIG. 16, the panels the panels 200, 300, 400, 500 are illustrated in a in a nested arrangement. The cover 600 is illustrated stacked upon the panels for compact shipping and storage arrangement. The nested and/or stacked arrangement substantially reduces the shipping space required for transport of the trash containers. In addition, the panels may be provide with depending lips or projections to help to maintain alignment of the panels during shipping.

All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A trash container comprising: a floor panel for enclosing the bottom of a trash container, said floor panel including a top surface, a bottom surface, a front edge, a rear edge, a left edge and a right edge, wherein at least two of said edges include means for connecting to adjacently positioned panels; a left side panel for enclosing the left side of said trash container, said left side panel including a front edge, a rear edge, a top edge and a bottom edge, said front edge, said rear edge, and said bottom edge including means for connecting to adjacently positioned panels; a right side panel for enclosing the right side of said trash container, said right side panel including a front edge, a rear edge, a top edge and a bottom edge, said front edge, said rear edge, and said bottom edge including means for connecting to adjacently positioned panels; a back panel for enclosing the back of said trash container, said back panel including a left edge, a right edge, a top edge and a bottom edge, said left edge, said right edge, and said bottom edge including means for connecting to adjacently positioned panels; a front panel for enclosing the front of said trash container, said front panel including a left edge, a right edge, a top edge and a bottom edge, said left edge, said right edge, and said bottom edge including means for connecting to adjacently positioned panels; wherein said floor panel, said left side panel, said right side panel, said front panel and said back panel are constructed and arranged for shipment in a stacked arrangement for assembly into said trash container on a desired site.

2. The trash container of claim 1 including a cover panel for enclosing the top of said trash container, said cover panel constructed and arranged to provide ingress into said trash container and facilitate removal of trash from said trash container, said cover constructed and arranged to cooperate with said left, right, back, and front panels to retain a trash bag in an open position within said trash container, wherein said cover panel is constructed and arranged for shipment in a stacked arrangement along with said floor panel, said left side panel, said right side panel, said front panel and said rear panel for assembly into said trash container on a desired site.

3. The trash container of claim 2 wherein said cover includes a lid portion hingedly mounted within said cover panel for movement between an open position and a closed position, wherein said open position provides an opening to place trash in said open trash bag, whereby said cover panel remains stationary for retention of an upper portion of said trash bag during opening of said lid portion.

4. The trash container of claim 3 wherein said lid portion includes a latch for locking said lid portion in said closed position, wherein said latch is constructed and arranged to releasably engage said cover panel.

5. The trash container of claim 4 wherein said lid portion includes at least one elongated slot constructed and arranged to cooperate with at least one retainer clip integrally formed to a bottom surface of said latch for slidable movement between a latched and an unlatched position.

6. The trash container of claim 4 wherein said lid portion includes two elongated slots constructed and arranged to cooperate with two retainer clips integrally formed to said latch for slidable movement between a latched position and an unlatched position.

7. The trash container of claim 4 wherein said lid portion includes an integrally formed rain gutter extending substantially along a perimeter of said latch.

8. The trash container of claim 1 wherein at least two of said edges of each said left side panel, said right side panel, said front panel and said back panel include a depending lip extending substantially perpendicular with respect to an inner surface of each said panel, whereby said panels are constructed and arranged for shipment in a nested arrangement for assembly into said trash container on a desired site.

9. The trash container of claim 1 wherein said means for connecting to adjacently positioned panels includes at least one socket integrally formed into at least one of said edges, said socket positioned for interlocking engagement with at least one locking post integrally formed onto at least one of said edges of an adjacently positioned panel, wherein said at least one socket includes at least three side walls and one end wall.

10. The trash container of claim 9 wherein said at least one socket includes four side walls and one end wall.

11. The trash container of claim 9 wherein said front and said rear edges of said left and said right side panels each include a plurality of said locking posts integrally formed thereon and said front and said back panels include a plurality of said sockets formed therein, wherein said sockets are positioned to interlockingly engage said locking posts to secure said panels in a substantially perpendicular relationship with respect to each other.

12. The trash container of claim 11 wherein said sockets and said locking posts are arranged in a linear fashion extending along said edges.

13. The trash container of claim 1 wherein said means for connecting to adjacently positioned panels includes at least one socket integrally formed into at least one of said edges, said socket positioned for interlocking engagement with at least one locking post integrally formed onto at least one of said edges of an adjacently positioned panel, wherein at least a portion of said at least one locking post is formed hollow.

14. The trash container of claim 13 wherein said front and said rear edges of said left and said right side panels each include a plurality of said locking posts integrally formed thereon and said front and said back panels include a plurality of said sockets formed therein, wherein said sockets are positioned to interlockingly engage said locking posts to secure said panels in a substantially perpendicular relationship with respect to each other.

15. The trash container of claim 14 wherein said sockets and said locking posts are arranged in a linear fashion extending along said edges.

16. The trash container of claim 1 wherein said front and said rear edges of said floor panel each include a plurality of locking posts integrally formed thereon, said locking posts constructed and arranged to cooperate with a plurality of sockets integrally formed into said bottom edge of said front and said back panels, wherein said sockets are positioned to interlockingly engage said locking posts to secure said panels in a substantially perpendicular relationship with respect to each other.

17. The trash container of claim 1 including at least two wheels rotatably mounted to a lower portion of said trash container.

18. The trash container of claim 17 wherein said wheels are removably mounted to a rear lower portion of said trash container, whereby said trash container may be pivoted to an angled position with respect to a ground surface for movement of said trash container.

19. The trash container of claim 17 wherein said back panel includes at least one boss integrally formed thereto, said at least one boss constructed and arranged for rotatably mounting said at least two wheels.

20. The trash container of claim 17 wherein said back panel includes two integrally formed bosses, wherein each said at least one wheel includes an axle, wherein each said axle is constructed and arranged to interlockingly engage one of said integrally formed bosses, whereby each said wheel is rotatably secured to said lower portion of said trash container.